1998 Ford Crown Victoria Reviews - Page 3 of 5

1998 Ford Crown Victoria P71 4.6L from North America

Summary:

Faults:

The only issues I have had with the car were due to Police department modifications, and the light control module started to go. I've put $300 into this car the entire time I've owned it.

I owned a 99 Dakota before this; it was riddled with problems. I've owned the Crown Vic twice as long, and it hasn't had a fraction of the problems that truck developed.

General Comments:

This is by far the best car I have ever owned. Absolutely reliable, comfortable to drive, and very good on gas for a 4000+ pound car. It's very difficult for a person my height (6'5") to find a car that is truly comfortable and not cramped to drive. The Crown Vic delivers on all fronts for me.

Accommodating, smooth handling, decently fast, turning at unreasonable speeds, it is second to none, gas mileage, inexpensive and extremely easy to maintain, all around the best bang for the buck.

1st Apr 2009, 17:58

You noted that your key did not work in the trunk. Is it possible that it is a valet key? I realize that this was a police car, but if you had additional keys made, they may have been valet keys. If the glove box on your example locks, you could try locking it and opening it (making sure everything is taken out from it, of course, if it doesn't work).

1998 Ford Crown Victoria LX-HPP 4.6 SOHC 16-Valve from North America

Summary:

Faults:

Fuel vapor canisters clogged twice; this caused the car to lightly buck and sometimes stall out and make a weird humming noise from the rear. The dealer repaired under emissions warranty.

Intake manifold developed a small crack at the thermostat housing. Replaced it with a revised intake manifold. Cost was $400 parts and labor.

The LX-HPP has an HVAC climate control system that fails. This is a common probelm and is located in the blend door. Dealer replaced under warranty- but had to remove the dash. Keep that in mind if you are considering a Crown Victoria with the HVAC climate control.

The OEM and replacement Eagle LS tires were a disgrace. Replaced with Goodyear Ultra Grips and couldn't have been happier with their performance.

The quality of the leather interior wasn't that great. The leather became stained from clothing.

General Comments:

This was the most reliable vehicle I had ever puchased. I regret getting rid of this car. It never let me down!

Handling and perfromance (LX-HPP) package merged luxury comfort of air suspension and wood finish interior with heavy-duty police package handling and power. It was a very nice touch!

The Crown Vic had the largest overall space. The interior has more than enought room for large adults and plenty of trunk space.

This vehicle is inexpensive to run, maintain, and insure. It had great mileage for a 4,000 lbs. vehicle!

The resale value on these cars is terrible. You lose $10,000 by driving a new one off the dealer lot. I wouldn't buy a new one: I would search for a low mileage used one. I bought mine in early-2001 for $15,000 with only 13,000 miles on the clock. Original MSRP was around $30,000.